The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) welcomes the decision to resume high-level talks on the Syrian conflict, scheduled for 14-15 March 2017 in Astana, Republic of Kazakhstan.

The Organization expresses hope that this round of talks, building on the previous ones, will culminate in practical and constructive steps for ceasefire to protect civilians and put an end to the destruction in Syria thatthreatens to spread into neighboring countries. The OIC also looks forward to a consensual political process, based on the communiqué of the Geneva I Conference on Syria and relevant Security Council resolutions, notably 2254 of 18 December 2015.

The OIC Secretary General, Dr Yousef A. Al-Othaimeen, said a peaceful political solution is of the essence to stop the tragic and bloody situation in Syria, and end the human tragedies Syrians are going through in their homeland and outside of it. The need is dire to preserve the territorial integrity of Syria, Dr Al-Othaimeen further emphasized.